Bachelor in International Relations and Development BA

The University of Birmingham, chartered in 1900, is a large, research-intensive redbrick university located in Edgbaston. It offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and has a reputation for multidisciplinary research, substantial campus investment and strong academic staffing. With more than 34,000 students, including a sizeable international community, Birmingham combines historic strengths with modern facilities and a global outlook.

Research and teaching span the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine and social sciences, supported by major investments in campus infrastructure and academic appointments. The university promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through flagship fellowships and research initiatives, and many courses provide opportunities for placements, industry engagement and overseas study on its international campuses. Student support services include extensive academic development, career services and wellbeing provision tailored to an international cohort.

Life at Birmingham blends a vibrant campus with access to the city's cultural and professional resources, enabling students to pursue extracurricular activities, volunteering and professional networking. The institution’s global partnerships and growing research profile open doors for international collaborations and career pathways. Prospective international applicants should carefully check entry requirements, funding and application deadlines and contact the university’s international office for guidance on visas, scholarships and arrival planning.

The Bachelor in International Relations and Development BA at the University of Birmingham is a 3-year degree for students interested in global issues. It offers a solid foundation in international relations and development, with advantages including a year abroad option and specialized modules.

The curriculum covers modules such as Politics of Development, Global Development Challenges, and Introduction to International Relations. You will also develop skills in research design, international negotiation, and global history. In the final year, you will write a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Development Officers, International Relations Specialists, Human Rights Advocates, Diplomats, or Policy Analysts, working in industries such as government, non-profit, or international organizations like the United Nations or the European Union.